Abstract
BackgroundRhesus D (RhD) antigen alloimmunization has been a focus of concern for hematologists and obstetricians. It contributes to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to assess the awareness of pregnant women toward the clinical importance of blood group Rh(D)-negativity and anti-D immunoglobulin and to determine the prevalence of blood group Rh(D)-negativity among them.Methods and materialsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in a routine antenatal care clinic of King Abdullah Hospital in Bisha, Saudi Arabia from September 2018 to January 2019. The awareness of pregnant women toward the clinical importance of blood group Rh(D)-negativity and prophylaxis with anti-D immunoglobulin was assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Samples were analyzed for ABO and Rh (D) blood groups using the microplate grouping method. The presence of anti-D alloantibodies was detected by the indirect antiglobulin test. Data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 108 respondents fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Forty-five pregnant women (41.7%) were observed to be aware of the blood group Rh(D)-negativity and anti-D immunoglobulin issue. The prevalence of the negative blood group was 11.1% (12/108). Awareness was found to be significantly associated with age, education, vaginal bleeding, blood groups, and previous administration of anti-D immunoglobulin (p-value ≤0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of blood group Rh(D)-negativity among respondents was found to be comparative with other populations, although the overall awareness was found to be suboptimal (41.7%). Structured health education programs by hematologists and obstetricians are needed to increase awareness and to address women at reproductive age.
Highlights
Awareness was found to be significantly associated with age, education, vaginal bleeding, blood groups, and previous administration of anti-D immunoglobulin (p-value ≤0.05)
Rhesus D (RhD) antigen alloimmunization has been a focus of concern for hematologists and obstetricians due to its significant contribution to perinatal morbidity and mortality as a consequence of hemolytic disease of the fetus and the newborn (HDFN)
The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of pregnant women toward the clinical importance of blood group Rh(D)-negativity and anti-D immunoglobulin at King Abdulla Hospital in Bisha, Saudi Arabia as well as to determine the prevalence of blood group Rh(D)-negativity among pregnant women in the local population
Summary
Rhesus D (RhD) antigen alloimmunization has been a focus of concern for hematologists and obstetricians due to its significant contribution to perinatal morbidity and mortality as a consequence of hemolytic disease of the fetus and the newborn (HDFN). The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of pregnant women toward the clinical importance of blood group Rh(D)-negativity and anti-D immunoglobulin at King Abdulla Hospital in Bisha, Saudi Arabia as well as to determine the prevalence of blood group Rh(D)-negativity among pregnant women in the local population. Rhesus D (RhD) antigen alloimmunization has been a focus of concern for hematologists and obstetricians It contributes to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to assess the awareness of pregnant women toward the clinical importance of blood group Rh(D)-negativity and anti-D immunoglobulin and to determine the prevalence of blood group Rh(D)-negativity among them
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
